Looking at a Factory Five Cobra tomorrow. What Should I look for?

[AdamInKC]

I am finally ready to buy a Cobra and am going to look at a local 1999 Factory Five Cobra tomorrow. What should I look for and are there any particular questions I should ask besides the normal questions?

Here is what I know so far about the car:
1999 Factory Five Ford AC Cobra
Professionally Built
12,000 original miles since new
5.0L High Output engine
5 Speed transmission
Power Steering
Heater

[redmt]

Try and find a local Cobra guy to look at it with you.
Look at EVERYTHING.
Shake everything.
Look for freshly skinned bolts.
Insist on putting it up on a rack.
Inspect everything.
Ask questions.
Think on it a day or so after you decide if your going to buy it.

[WardL]

I'm no expert, but one thing I would try is rolling the Cobra forward a few feet and back a few feet and listen for unexpected sounds. I had clunking in my suspension which showed up as bad wheel bearings. My case is probably 1 in 1,000 but it would have been nice to know that early on. The other criteria is just what does "professionally" build really mean? Most FFRs are NOT professionally built. The best one I have seen is one made by a Boeing machinest. I would want to know who the builder was and if he had built more than the one you are looking at. The money is all in the construction.

[Clois Harlan]

Hey Ward, my Cobra has a Detroit locker in it and when you roll it forward or backwards it clunks. A locker takes a little getting use to but once you learn what to expect you will love it.

Back to the subject at hand, find out what kind of transmission it has T-5, 3550, etc. FFR makes a good car and if it was professionally built find out who did it. The 5.0 engines are bullet proof and shouldn't casue you much concern. Find out what kind of brakes (GM Metric, Lincoln Versilles, Mustang SN 95, etc.).

I am guessing the price would be around $28K, so for that price I think you might be alright. Are you in Kansas City? If so they have a Cobra Club that might be of help to you with questions. I know several of the Cobra owners in Kc so if I can help let me know.

Clois Haraln-Tulsa

[vector1]

give me a holler i'll go look at it.